Batesville, In. — Flu season is just around the corner, and it’s important to get vaccinated now to help prevent contracting the influenza virus in the future. The flu can affect everyone differently, but the elderly, young children, pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions are at higher risk for serious flu complications.
Symptoms can include a fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, chills and fatigue.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly encourages people to get the flu vaccine to reduce their chance of catching the flu. The CDC also advises the following precautions to stop the spread of germs this flu season:
- Avoid close contact with sick people;
- While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them;
- If you are sick with a flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities;
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and throw the tissue in the trash after you use it;
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, and if soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub;
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth; and
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.
Click here for a list of clinics providing flu shots.
